Richard D. Gottardo

Richard Daniel Gottardo, age 49 of Warren, died Friday, September 29, 2006 at St. John Macomb Hospital Center in Warren. Richard was born May 08, 1957 in Detroit, Michigan the son of the late Danillo and the late Theresa (nee: DalPra) Gottardo. Richard is survived by his loving wife Susan. He is the loving father of Andrea, Richard Jr., and Christopher Gottardo. Dearest brother of Norman Gottardo, and Janet Gottardo. Cherished uncle of Daniel, and Shannon. Richard was raised in East Detroit and graduated the class of 1975 from East Detroit High School. After high school his goal was to become a certified public accountant. Rich began his college education at Macomb Community College studying accounting until a death in the family which caused him to drop his accounting classes. Rich again would start studying accounting at Macomb when his grandfather died and again caused him to drop the class. Eventually Rich would achieve his Associates Degree in Accounting from Walsh Business College, but by this time his focus had changed to law enforcement. Rich would return to Macomb Community College where he would attend the Police Academy. While Rich studied at Macomb, worked at Burkes Sports Haven to put himself through college. After graduating the Police Academy, Rich joined the Warren Police Department where he would attain the rank of Detective after 20 years on the force. Never one to sit still Rich also had a second career as the owner of Gottardos Jackets and Jerseys, silk screening and sports apparel. All the sports teams in Center Line and Warren were very familiar with Richs work and generosity. Richard was described by family and friends as selfless and always giving. He never stopped caring for others, as a husband, father, sibling, police officer, or community leader. He ran the Police Athletic League PAL, and it grew to almost 2000 kids in sports. When Rich was told it had to be downsized because it was too big then it was time to step down. No task was too big for Richard Gottardo. When Rich did have some spare time or down time, it was spent with family or at one of his childrens many sporting events. Occasionally he could be found catching another rerun of a John Wayne movie or another episode of the Three Stooges. His family said even though he had seen the episodes a million times, he was still giggling just like he did as a child. Visitation for Rich will be Monday from 5-9 pm, and Tuesday from 1-9 pm, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 1/2 mile). There will also be a Rosary Tuesday evening. Richard will lie in State Wednesday 10:00 am at St. Clement Catholic Church until the time of the funeral Mass 10:30 am. Celebrating the Funeral will be Rev. Fr. Michael Gawlowski. Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery Clinton Township. Please share memories at his guest book. View memorial tribute video at www.ACWmemories.com